Hat Head National Park

Hat Head National Park is a pristine coastal wilderness on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, where dense littoral rainforest meets sweeping beaches and dramatic headlands. This untamed pocket of nature offers a genuine escape from the crowds, with walking trails that wind through paperbark swamps and coastal heath, and lookouts that reveal the raw power of the Tasman Sea. It's a place for quiet immersion – listen for the crash of waves, the call of bell miners, and the rustle of goannas in the undergrowth.

Highlights & What to See

• Hat Head Beach – a long, wild stretch of sand perfect for solitary walks, fishing, and spotting dolphins or migrating whales (May–November).
• Smoky Cape Lighthouse – climb the headland for panoramic views of the coastline; the historic 1891 lighthouse is one of the state's most photogenic.
• Korogoro Point Walking Track – a 4.5 km circuit through rainforest and heath, with interpretive signs about Aboriginal heritage and WWII radar station remnants.
• Hat Head National Park Campground – a basic bush camp tucked behind the dunes, ideal for stargazing and falling asleep to the sound of surf.
• Birdwatching – keep an eye out for white-bellied sea eagles, ospreys, and the threatened little tern that nests on the beach.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a full day exploring the park, which allows for a morning walk to Smoky Cape, a picnic lunch on the beach, and an afternoon stroll along the Korogoro Point track. If you're camping, two days lets you truly unwind – watch sunrise over the ocean and hike the less-visited southern trails. For a quick stop, allow at least two hours to walk to the lighthouse lookout and dip your toes in the sea.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• South West Rocks – a charming coastal town 15 minutes north, with the historic Trial Bay Gaol and excellent cafes.
• Arakoon National Park – adjacent to South West Rocks, home to Trial Bay Gaol ruins and more coastal walks.
• Kempsey – a 30-minute drive west, offering the Macleay Valley Museum and the Slim Dusty Centre.
• Nambucca Heads – 45 minutes north, famous for the V-Wall painted rocks and the Nambucca River boardwalk.
• Crescent Head – 20 minutes south, a laid-back surf village with a protected headland reserve.

Please check official sources for current details.